In response to the post topic, I don't use Sublime. It's really good, definitely prefer a real native application over Atom. I do wish it was open source and the author still sold it. I hate using software where there's a sole author and if he gets hit by a bus, it's up in the air what happens next.
I use PyCharm and Vi in my workflow. I've always found I use two editors. One more focused on my programming at hand, and another for general files to reference, notes and so forth.
So when I remote into a server, it's Vi again. I like PyCharm because it has a Vi mode and everything just works. If you're using Python at least, it's a top tier environment to work in.
Not to mention that if you're a startup and you plan to grow into a large company or get bought by a large company (i.e. all startups) you are going to have to get your house in order at some point.
"Sublime Text may be downloaded and evaluated for free, however a license must be purchased for continued use."
Personally, I was happy to purchase a license because I think it's a great application, but I admit that it's on the pricey side.
They don't incentivize purchasing in any other way than displaying a popup reminder once a day. It's a fully-featured product without the license, so there's not much motivation to buy it unless you view the purchase as a donation of sorts.
Heck, TBH, the only people I know personally that have licensed windows copies have them on their laptops. (and I know plenty of people who use Windows).
Why would it surprise you that people use sublime in non-compliance with its EULA?
I also have zero doubt that people have been using it for professional purposes in violation of the license.
I'm curious what most people are using it for, since the license clearly states that you need to buy a copy for professional use.